Parents at Boris school on alert after man tries to snatch girl

PARENTS at the north London primary where Boris Johnson sends one of his children have been put on alert after a man tried to abduct a child near the school.

The incident happened on Monday near Canonbury School in Islington. An eight-year-old girl was on her way to another school in the same borough when a man in a black Volkswagen tried to get her into his car.

The girl managed to run away and was not hurt.

Islington council said today that the school had issued a letter to all parents asking them to be vigilant after the attempted abduction.

A council spokesman said that there had been no physical contact during the incident and added that this is the first attempted abduction in the vicinity of the school.

One parent said a Police Community Support Officer had been stationed outside the school gates yesterday morning and families were fearful that it was not the first time the man has targeted a school in the area. The parent, who did not want to be named, said: "The incident happened two days ago and the school have sent out a letter warning us to be vigilant.

"Parents are very upset. The man who did this did it at a time when the street was absolutely jammed with parents and children going to the school. People are saying this car has been seen near other schools in Islington. We are hoping to find out more about what's going on from the school."

A Met spokesman said that no arrests have been made and could not comment on whether the man had been seen outside any other schools. Anyone with information is asked to contact Islington police on 020 7421 0196.

Last month, Canonbury School was condemned by an official inquiry for failing to carry out criminal record checks on staff after hiring a drama teacher who has since been charged with a series of rapes and indecent assaults at another school.

Headteacher Jay Henderson, 35, was sacked in May for gross misconduct after watching pornography in his office. He has appealed the decision.